BLM Seeks Nominations to Resource Advisory Councils

Reno, Nev.--The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public nominations for fifteen open positions on its three Nevada Resource Advisory Councils, which advise the agency on public land issues. The BLM will accept nominations until March 12, 2012.

The BLM’s Resource Advisory Councils (RACs), composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The Bureau, which manages more land than any other Federal agency, has 29 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interest in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.

“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Councils,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who live, work, and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency’s ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for future generations.”

Northeastern Great Basin, which serves Elko, White Pine, Lander and Eureka counties. Nominees should live within the geographical area encompassed by the RAC they are applying to represent

The positions open for appointment on the Mojave-Southern Great Basin RAC are:

• one representative from organizations associated with energy or mineral development • one representative from a wild horse interest group • one representative of archaeological or historical interests • one representative of Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area • one representative for permitted recreation

The positions open for appointment on the Sierra Front-Northwestern Great Basin RAC are:

• one representative who holds a Federal grazing permit or leases and represents permittees or lessees • one representative of interests associated with transportation or rights-of-way • one representative for dispersed recreation • one representative of archaeological or historical interests • one representative from the public-at-large

Completed nominations for the Sierra Front-Northwestern Great Basin RAC positions should be mailed to Lisa Ross, BLM Carson City District Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701. The phone number is 775-885-6107. This RAC holds meetings in the Carson City and Winnemucca areas.

The positions open for appointment on the Northeastern Great Basin RAC are:

• one representative of Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area • one representative of archaeological or historical interests • one representative from a nationally or regionally recognized environmental organization • two representatives from organizations associated with energy or mineral development

Completed nominations for the Northeastern Great Basin RAC positions should be mailed to Lesli Ellis-Wouters, BLM Elko District Office, 3900 East Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801. The phone number is 775-753-0386. This RAC holds meetings in the Elko, Eureka, and Ely areas.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominations should be made on the appropriate nomination form, which is available at any BLM office, or on the internet at www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/res/resource_advisory.html. Nominees must be a resident of Nevada. Nominees will be considered on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative resource decision-making. All nominations must include letters of reference from the represented interests or organizations; a completed nomination form; and any other information that addresses the nominee's qualifications.

The councils meet several times a year, usually quarterly, and provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM district managers and the state director, on management of the public lands within the council’s geographic area. It is the practice in Nevada to hold one joint meeting of all three Nevada RACs every year.

For questions about the RACs or the application process, or to request a nomination form, contact the district offices listed above, or the Nevada State Office at 775-861-6588.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.